Article of Footwear with Open Upper

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear intended for use as a dance shoe is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper. The upper includes an opening with a periphery configured to expose the top of the instep of a foot, while covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In addition, the article of footwear includes a fastening system, comprising a first and second strap, configured to expand during insertion of the foot into the article of footwear and fasten the article of footwear to the foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and in particular the present invention relates to an article of footwear with an open upper. Principles of the present invention can be applied to dance shoes.

2. Description of Related Art

Footwear intended to be used for dance are often distinct from footwear intended for other purposes. In ballet, for example, footwear may be designed to add extra support to the toes during a ‘sur le pointe’ step. Arbour (U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,026) discloses a dance shoe that includes a flexible upper and a toe box configured to surround at least a portion of a dancer's foot. The dance shoe further includes a viscoelastic padding layer that is provided between the toe box and the dancer's foot to shield the foot from the rigidity of the toe box. Farrior et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,431) discloses an apparatus and method for improving the appearance of the dancer's feet.

In some cases, footwear intended to be used for dance may share some characteristics with other types of footwear. Wilkinson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,877,252) discloses a slip on shoe, which includes a generally open midsection extending from approximately the wearer's toe/instep joint to the front of the wearer's ankle. This opening, however, is configured to expose portions of the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In particular, the midsection, where the sneaker would normally have laces, is generally open on the top and sides for easily slipping the shoe on and off and to cool the feet. The midsection may have a relatively low side rail, however, that protrudes upwardly from the sole. Although this feature is useful in casual activity, footwear used for dance must be configured to cover both the medial and lateral sides of the foot in their entirety.

Alternatives to traditional laces have been proposed. Farys et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,820) discloses an article of footwear including an instep portion provided with an elastic tightening system extending from the top of the instep to the area of the sole. That is, the elastic portion of the upper extends over a majority, or at least fifty percent, of the upper. In situations where the wearer is dancing, the elastic that extends from the instep area to the sole might irritate the contacted portions of the foot. Additionally, because the type of footwear disclosed includes elastic portions along the entirety of the instep and including portions of the sole, this may cause tension along different parts of the instep and sole that could impose some restrictions of movement. It is preferable, in the case of footwear intended for dance, that a fastening system be used which tightens in local regions, and that at least portions of the fastening system comprise materials which will not irritate the contacted portions of the foot.

There is a need for footwear, which is intended for dance, to be designed in a manner allowing for increased ventilation to the foot and which includes a fastening system that comfortably and efficiently secures the footwear to the foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses an article of footwear with an open upper is disclosed. In one aspect, the article of footwear, intended for use as a dance shoe, comprises: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a forefoot region and a heel region, the upper having a length LH as measured from the tip of the forefoot region to the tip of the heel region; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of the foot; the upper including an opening; the opening including an outer periphery, the outer periphery is continuous from the forward region to the rear region; the opening with length LO, the length of the opening measured as measured from a forward tip of the outer periphery to a rear tip of the outer periphery; the ratio of LO/LH being between 0.7 and 0.8; and where the upper includes a fastener system, the fastener system including a first C-shaped strap and a second C-shaped strap.

In another aspect, the upper comprises a breathable mesh portion.

In another aspect, the breathable mesh portion is disposed along a medial side of the upper.

In another aspect, the breathable mesh portion is disposed along a lateral side of the upper.

In another aspect, the invention discloses an article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a medial side and a lateral side; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of a foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a medial edge and a lateral edge, each disposed along the periphery; the distance between the outsole and the medial edge, as measured along the medial side, being shortest at the forward most portion of the medial edge; and where the distance between the outsole and the lateral edge, as measured along the lateral side, is shortest at the forward most portion of the medial edge.

In another aspect, the outsole comprises rubber.

In another aspect, portions of the upper comprise leather.

In another aspect, portions of the upper comprise a mesh material.

In another aspect, the forward most tip of the outsole wraps around and covers a front side of the upper.

In another aspect, the upper includes a fastener system.

In another aspect, the invention discloses an article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of a foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap with a forward portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion; the fastening system including a second strap with a forward portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion; and where the middle portion of the first strap and the middle portion of the second strap are disposed over a second portion of the opening, and joined together by a tab.

In another aspect, the first strap being fixed to a medial side of the upper at a first area disposed along the forward portion and a second area disposed along the rear portion.

In another aspect, the second strap being fixed to a lateral side of the upper at a third area disposed along the forward portion of the second strap and a fourth area disposed along the rear portion.

In another aspect, the tab comprises an elastic material.

In another aspect, the first strap and the second strap both comprise an inelastic material.

In another aspect, the forward portion and rear portion of the first strap extend from the periphery to the outsole along the medial side of the upper.

In another aspect, the forward and rear portion of the second strap extend from the periphery to the outsole along the lateral side of the upper.

In another aspect, the upper includes a third strap extending from a medial side of the upper, wrapping around a rear side of the upper, and attaching to a lateral side of the upper.

In another aspect, the invention discloses an article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of the foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap with a forward end, a middle portion and a rearward end, wherein the forward end of the first strap and the rearward end of the first strap are attached to the medial side of the upper; the fastening system including a second strap with a forward end, a middle portion, and a rearward end, wherein the forward end of the second strap and the rearward end of the second strap are attached to the lateral side of the upper; and where the fastening system includes an elastic region.

In another aspect, the first strap includes an elastic region disposed between the forward end of the first strap and the middle portion of the first strap.

In another aspect, the first strap includes an elastic region disposed between the rearward end of the first strap and the middle portion of the first strap.

In another aspect, the second strap includes an elastic region disposed between the forward end of the second strap and the middle portion of the second strap.

In another aspect, the second strap includes and elastic region disposed between the rearward end of the second strap and the middle portion of the second strap.

In another aspect, the fastening system includes a tab.

In another aspect, the first strap and second strap are attached via the tab.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear with a fastening system undergoing stretching; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An article of footwear intended to be used for dance requires a high degree of flexibility. In addition, it may be preferable that an article of footwear intended for dance include provisions to provide ventilation, allowing the foot to ‘breathe’. Additionally, the article of footwear preferably includes a fastener system that is comfortable and efficient.

FIG. 1 is plan view of a preferred embodiment of article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 is intended to be used as a dance shoe, although other uses are also possible.

Article of footwear 100 includes a forefoot region 140, a middle region 142, and a heel region 144. These regions are intended to correspond with the forefoot, arch, and heel regions of a foot after the foot has been inserted into article of footwear 100.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 includes upper 102 and outsole 104. In some embodiments, upper 102 and outsole 104 may be constructed of different materials. In a preferred embodiment, outsole 104 comprises rubber. Previous articles of dance footwear may use the same material for the outsole and the upper. In contrast, by using an outsole constructed of a material such as rubber, article of footwear 100 may provide more support to the foot than traditional dance footwear. Upper 102 preferably includes a front side 120, a rear side 122, a medial side 124 and a lateral side 126. Upper 102 also preferably includes vamp 128. Vamp 128 is the portion of upper 102 which covers the top of the toes and a portion of the top of the instep of the foot.

Upper 102 further includes opening 132. Opening 132 includes periphery 134. A first portion 150 of opening 132 is disposed over heel region 144 of article of footwear 100, and is preferably configured to receive a wearer's foot. A second portion 152 of opening 132 is preferably disposed over middle region 142 of article of footwear 100, and is preferably configured to receive a portion of the instep of the foot. In some embodiments, second portion 152 of opening 132 may extend into forefoot region 140 of article of footwear 100.

Preferably, article of footwear 100 has an open design. This open design helps to ventilate and cool the wearer's foot, increases comfort and decreases weight. The open design can also provide a unique and pleasing aesthetic design. In a preferred embodiment, opening 132 has a length LO, as measured from the forward tip to the rear tip of periphery 134. Likewise, upper 102 has a length LH, as measured from the tip of forefoot region 140 to the tip of heel region 144. Preferably, opening 132 is fairly large in comparison to the overall length LH of the article of footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of LO to LH may be between 0.7 and 0.8.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may comprise more than one type of material. In a preferred embodiment, upper 102 may comprise two distinct materials. In some embodiments, upper 102 may comprise more than two materials.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, upper 102 comprises two distinct materials. Upper 102 preferably includes first material 106. First material 106 preferably extends from the front of the article of footwear to the heel. First material 106 may be a synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, first material 106 is a mesh material. In a preferred embodiment, first material 106 is a mesh material with 2 mm spacing. Because first material 106 is preferably comprised of a wide mesh material, it allows for good ventilation of the shoe in addition to increasing the flexibility of article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the mesh material may appear transparent while article of footwear 100 is in use. All these factors contribute to allowing a dancer to feel less confined by article of footwear 100 than they would feel using a more traditional type of dance shoe.

In some embodiments, upper 102 preferably includes a second material 107. In some embodiments, vamp 128 of upper 102 is preferably constructed of second material 107. In some embodiments, additional portions of upper 102 may comprise second material 107. In a preferred embodiment, first strip 113 preferably comprises second material 107. First strip 113 is preferably disposed along medial side 124 of upper 102. First strip 113 preferably extends from vamp 128 to outsole 104. Likewise, second strip 115 preferably comprises second material 107. Second strip 115 is preferably disposed along lateral side 126 of upper 102. Second strip 115 preferably extends from vamp 128 to outsole 104. In some embodiments, upper 102 preferably includes a third strip 117 comprising second material 107. Third strip 117 is preferably disposed along rear side 122. Third strip 117 preferably extends from outsole 104 to periphery 134.

In some embodiments, second material 107 may be synthetic. Alternatively, in some embodiments, second material 107 may be leather. Second material 107 may provide additional structural support to upper 102 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, second material 107 may provide additional aesthetics to upper 102.

In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear 100 includes ribbon 110. Ribbon 110 is preferably fixed to rear side 122 of upper 102. Ribbon 110 may be fixed at first ribbon end 131 to rear side 122. Ribbon 110 may also be fixed at second ribbon end 133 to rear side 122. In some embodiments, ribbon 110 may be constructed of satin, or it may be constructed of another material. In a preferred embodiment, ribbon 110 may be wrapped around a portion of the leg or the ankle to provide additional support and also to the traditional aesthetic look common in many types of dance shoes.

In some embodiments, upper 102 includes fastening system 111. Fastening system 111 preferably includes first strap 112. First strap 112 includes forward end 114, rearward end 116, and middle portion 118. Forward end 114 is preferably attached to medial side 124 of upper 102 in a region disposed close to periphery 134. In some embodiments, forward end 114 may extend across medial side 124, from periphery 134 to outsole 104. Forward end 114 may be attached to medial side 124 by stitching, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, forward end 114 may be attached to medial side 124 by another means.

Rearward end 116 is also preferably attached to medial side 124 of upper 102 in a region disposed close to periphery 134. In some embodiments, rearward end 116 may extend across medial side 124, from periphery 134 to outsole 102. Rearward end 116 may be attached to medial side 124 by stitching, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, rearward end 116 may be attached to medial side 124 by another means. Middle portion 118 is preferably disposed between forward end 114 and rearward end 116. Middle portion 118 preferably extends over second portion 152 of opening 132. In a preferred embodiment, first strap 111 may be C-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, fastening system 111 preferably includes second strap 160. Second strap 160 includes forward end 162, rearward end 164, and middle portion 166. Forward end 162 is preferably attached to lateral side 126 of upper 102 in a region disposed close to periphery 134. In some embodiments, forward end 162 may extend across lateral side 126, from periphery 134 to outsole 104. Forward end 162 may be attached to lateral side 126 by stitching in some embodiments. In other embodiments, forward end 162 may be attached to lateral side 126 by another means.

Rearward end 164 is also preferably attached to lateral side 126 of upper 102 in a region disposed close to periphery 134. In some embodiments, rearward end 164 may extend across lateral side 126, from periphery 134 to outsole 102. Rearward end 164 may be attached to lateral side 126 by stitching in some embodiments. In other embodiments, rearward end 164 may be attached to lateral side 126 by another means. Middle portion 166 is preferably disposed between forward end 162 and rearward end 164. Middle portion 166 preferably extends over second portion 152 of opening 132. In a preferred embodiment, second strap 160 may be C-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1.

In a preferred embodiment, middle portion 118 of first strap 112 and middle portion 166 of second strap 160 are disposed close to one another. Fastening system 111 preferably includes tab 170, which is attached to middle portion 116 of first strap 112 and middle portion 166 of second strap 160. In this way, first strap 112 and second strap 160 are attached, via tab 170, to one another.

In some embodiments, first strap 112 and second strap 160 may be constructed of an inelastic material. In some embodiments, tab 170 may be elastic. In other embodiments, tab 170 may comprise another material. In some embodiments, first strap 112 also includes elastic region 172. Elastic region 172 is preferably disposed along first strap 112, between rearward end 116 and middle portion 118.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of article of footwear 100. In addition to first strap 112 and second strap 160, upper 102 also preferably includes third strap 202. Third strap 202 preferably includes a medial end, a lateral end 206, and a middle portion 208. The medial end is preferably attached to medial side 124 of upper 102 in a region disposed between heel region 144 and middle region 142. Likewise, lateral end 206 is preferably attached to lateral side 126 of upper 102 in a region disposed between heel region 144 and middle region 142. Middle portion 208 of third strap 202 is preferably disposed along rear side 122 of upper 102.

In some embodiments, medial end 204 may extend along medial side 124 between periphery 134 and outsole 104. Likewise, lateral end 206 may extend along lateral side 126 between periphery 134 and outsole 104. Third strap 202 preferably provides tension between lateral side 126 and rear side 122 of upper 102. Third strap 202 also preferably provides tension between medial side 124 and rear side 122 of upper 102. In this way, third strap 202 stabilizes rear side 122, which is in contact with the heel of the foot, after a foot has been inserted into article of footwear 100.

Many articles of footwear, such as particular types of sandals, include a large opening configured for receiving a foot. These types of footwear are usually configured to expose portions of the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In footwear intended for dance, it is preferably that the medial and lateral sides are completely covered. Upper 102 includes an opening intended to expose only the top of the instep of the foot. In other words, upper 102 is preferably configured to cover the medial and lateral sides of the foot in their entirety.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of article of footwear 100. Lateral side 126 of upper 102 includes lateral edge 135. Lateral edge 135 is the portion of lateral side 126 adjacent to periphery 134. In a preferred embodiment, lateral edge 125 is configured to be lower at vamp 128, and rise towards the rear side 122. In particular, lateral edge 125 preferably rises in a manner that allows only the top of the instep of a foot to be exposed, upon insertion of the foot into article of footwear 100. That is, the lateral side of the foot and the lateral side of the foot will be covered in their entirety.

In this embodiment, L1 represents the length of lateral side 126 of upper 102 between outsole 104 and a first region 137 of lateral edge 135 disposed near vamp 128. L2 represents the length of lateral side 126 of upper 102 between outsole 104 and a second region 139 of medial edge 135. Here, L2 is greater than L1. In general, any measurement of the distance between a region of lateral edge 125, as measured along lateral side 126 of upper 102, will be of a length greater than L1. Although the measurements L1 and L2 are measured along lateral side 126 of upper 102, similar measurements may be made along medial side 124 of upper 102.

In a preferred embodiment, fastening system 111 is configured to expand to accommodate the insertion of a wearer's foot into article of footwear 100. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of article of footwear 100 following insertion of the foot 304. Specifically, foot 304 may be inserted into first portion 150 of opening 132. First portion 150 of opening 132 is preferably configured to receive foot 304.

In order to make this insertion easier for the wearer, elastic region 172 may be expanded. Since elastic region 172 is disposed near first portion 150 of opening 132, first strap 112 can be pulled, increasing the size of first portion 150, thus allowing for more space for the wearer's foot. In this manner, foot 304 is inserted through first portion 150 of opening 132, and just under first strap 112 and second strap 160. Foot 304 is also preferably inserted under tab 170. During this insertion, first strap 112 and second strap 160 may be pulled apart slightly. Preferably, tab 170 is configured to allow this motion, and permits first strap 112 and second strap 160 to be pulled apart slightly. In some embodiments, tab 170 may be an elastic material, which would allow for this slight expansion of fastening system 111.

Once the wearer's foot has been inserted into article of footwear 100, first strap 112, second strap 160, and tab 170 may rest along instep top 302 of the wearer's foot. Second portion 152 of opening 132 is preferably configured so that a portion of instep top 302 protrudes above periphery 134. As tab 170 is preferably an elastic material which can not only expand, but also retract, first strap 112 and second strap 160 may hold the foot inside article of footwear 100 by pressing against instep top 302. In this manner, article of footwear 100 is securely fastened to foot 304. Following the insertion of foot 304 into article of footwear 100, ribbon 110 may also be wrapped around the ankle.

FIG. 5 is plan view of a alternative embodiment of article of footwear 400. In some embodiments, article of footwear 400 is intended to be used as a dance shoe. Article of footwear 400 includes a forefoot region 440, a middle region 442, and a heel region 444. These regions are intended to correspond with the forefoot, middle, and heel regions of a foot, once a foot has been inserted into article of footwear 400.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 400 includes upper 402 and outsole 404. In some embodiments, upper 402 and outsole 404 may comprise distinct materials. In a preferred embodiment, outsole 404 comprises rubber. Often, the upper of an article of dance footwear comprises the same material as the outsole of the article of dance footwear. By using an outsole comprised of a material such as rubber, article of footwear 400 may provide more support to the foot than traditional dance footwear. Upper 402 includes a front side 420, a rear side 422, a medial side 424 and a lateral side 426. Upper 402 also includes vamp 428. Vamp 428 is the portion of upper 402 which covers the top of the toes and a portion of the top of the instep of the foot.

Upper 402 further includes opening 432. Opening 432 includes outer periphery 434. A first portion 450 of opening 432 is disposed over heel region 444 of article of footwear 400, and is preferably configured to receive a wearer's foot. A second portion 452 of opening 432 is preferably disposed over middle region 442 of article of footwear 400. In some embodiments, second portion 452 of opening 432 may extend into forefoot region 440 of article of footwear 400.

In some embodiments, upper 402 will comprise more than one type of material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, upper 402 includes first material 406. First material 406 preferably extends from the front of the article of footwear to the heel. First material 406 may be a synthetic fiber. In some embodiments, first material 406 is a mesh. In a preferred embodiment, first material 406 is a mesh with 2 mm spacing. Because first material 406 is preferably comprised of a wide mesh, it allows for good ventilation of the shoe in additional to providing a great deal of flexibility. In some embodiments, the mesh may become almost transparent while article of footwear 400 is in use. All these factors contribute to allowing a dancer to feel less confined by article of footwear 100 than they would feel using a more traditional type of dance shoe.

In some embodiments, upper 402 preferably includes a second material 407. In some embodiments, vamp 428 of upper 402 preferably comprises second material 407. In some embodiments, additional portions of upper 402 may comprise second material 407. In a preferred embodiment, first strip 413 preferably comprises second material 407. First strip 413 is preferably disposed along medial side 424 of upper 402. First strip 413 preferably extends from vamp 428 to outsole 404. Likewise, second strip 415 preferably comprises second material 407. Second strip 415 is preferably disposed along lateral side 426 of upper 402. Second strip 415 preferably extends from vamp 428 to outsole 404. In some embodiments, upper 402 preferably includes a third strip 417 comprising second material 407. Third strip 417 is preferably disposed along rear side 422. Third strip 417 preferably extends from outsole 404 to periphery 434.

In some embodiments, second material 407 may be synthetic. In some embodiments, second material 407 may be leather. Second material 407 may provide additional structural support to upper 402 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, second material 407 may provide additional aesthetics to upper 402.

In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear 400 includes ribbon 410. Ribbon 410 is preferably fixed to rear side 422 of upper 402. Ribbon 410 may be fixed at first ribbon end 431 to rear side 422. Ribbon 410 may also be fixed at second ribbon end 433 to rear side 422. In some embodiments, ribbon 410 may comprise satin, or it may comprise another material. In a preferred embodiment, ribbon 410 may be wrapped around the ankle to provide the traditional aesthetic look common in many types of dance shoes.

In some embodiments, upper 402 includes fastening system 411. Fastening system 411 preferably includes first strap 412 and second strap 460. First strap 412 includes forward end 414, rearward end 416, and middle portion 418. Forward end 414 is preferably attached to medial side 424 of upper 402 in a region disposed close to outer periphery 434. In some embodiments, forward end 414 may extend across medial side 424, from outer periphery 434 to outsole 404. Forward end 414 may be attached to medial side 424 by stitching, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, forward end 414 may be attached to medial side 424 by another means.

Rearward end 416 is also preferably attached to medial side 424 of upper 402 in a region disposed close to outer periphery 434. In some embodiments, rearward end 416 may extend across medial side 424, from outer periphery 434 to outsole 402. Rearward end 416 may be attached to medial side 424 by stitching, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, rearward end 416 may be attached to medial side 424 by another means. Middle portion 418 is preferably disposed between forward end 414 and rearward end 416. Middle portion 418 preferably extends over second portion 452 of opening 432. In a preferred embodiment, first strap 411 may be C-shaped.

In a preferred embodiment, fastening system 411 preferably includes a second strap 460. Second strap 460 includes forward end 462, rearward end 464, and middle portion 466. Forward end 462 is preferably attached to lateral side 426 of upper 402 in a region disposed close to outer periphery 434. In some embodiments, forward end 462 may extend across lateral side 426, from outer periphery 434 to outsole 404. Forward end 462 may be attached to lateral side 426 by stitching in some embodiments. In other embodiments, forward end 462 may be attached to lateral side 426 by another means.

Rearward end 464 is also preferably attached to lateral side 426 of upper 402 in a region disposed close to outer periphery 434. In some embodiments, rearward end 464 may extend across lateral side 426, from outer periphery 434 to outsole 402. Rearward end 464 may be attached to lateral side 426 by stitching in some embodiments. In other embodiments, rearward end 464 may be attached to lateral side 426 by another means. Middle portion 466 is preferably disposed between forward end 462 and rearward end 464. Middle portion 466 preferably extends over second portion 452 of opening 432. In a preferred embodiment, second strap 460 may be C-shaped.

In a preferred embodiment, middle portion 418 of first strap 412 and middle portion 466 of second strap 460 are disposed close to one another. Fastening system 411 preferably includes tab 470, which attaches to middle portion 416 of first strap 412 and middle portion 466 of second strap 460. In this way, first strap 412 and second strap 460 are attached, via tab 470, to one another.

In some embodiments, first strap 412 and second strap 460 may comprise an inelastic material. In some embodiments, tab 470 may comprise elastic. In other embodiments, tab 470 may comprise another material.

In some embodiments, first strap 412 also includes first elastic region 472. First elastic region 472 is preferably disposed along first strap 412, between rearward end 416 and middle portion 418. In a similar manner, first strap 412 may include second elastic region 474. Second elastic region 474 is preferably disposed along first strap 412, between forward end 414 and middle portion 418.

In a similar manner, second strap 460 may include third elastic region 476. Third elastic region 476 is preferably disposed along second strap 460, between rearward end 464 and middle portion 466. Finally, second strap 460 may include fourth elastic region 478. Fourth elastic region 478 is preferably disposed along second strap 460, between forward end 462 and middle portion 466.

First elastic region 472, second elastic region 474, third elastic region 476, and fourth elastic region 478 are all configured so that first strap 412 and second strap 460 may extend during the insertion of a foot into first portion 150 of opening 132.

First portion 450 of opening 432 is preferably configured to receive a foot. In order to make this insertion easier for the wearer, first elastic region 472, second elastic region 474, third elastic region 476, and fourth elastic region 478 may expand. Since first elastic region 472 is disposed near first portion 450 of opening 432, first strap 412 can be pulled away from first portion 450. Likewise, since third elastic region 476 is disposed near first portion 450 of opening 432, second strap 460 can be pulled away from first portion 450. In this manner, the wearer's foot is inserted through first portion 450 of opening 432, and just under first strap 412 and second strap 460.

Additionally, the expansion of second elastic portion 464 and fourth elastic portion 468 allows first strap 412 and second strap 460 to be pulled higher above second portion 452 of opening 132. This allows for easier insertion of the foot under fastening system 111.

The wearer's foot is also preferably inserted under tab 470. During this insertion, first strap 412 and second strap 460 may be pulled apart slightly. Preferably tab 470 is configured to allow for first strap 412 and second strap 460 to be pulled apart slightly. In some embodiments, tab 470 may be an elastic material, which would allow for this slight expansion of fastening system 411.

Once the wearer's foot has been inserted into article of footwear 400, first strap 412, second strap 460, and tab 470 may rest along the top of the instep of the wearer's foot. Second portion 452 of opening 432 is preferably configured so that a portion of the top of the instep protrudes above outer periphery 434. As tab 470 is preferably an elastic material which can not only expand, but also retract, first strap 412 and second strap 460 may hold the foot inside article of footwear 400 by pressing against the top of the instep of the wearer's foot.

Although in this embodiment, article of footwear 400 includes four elastic regions along first strap 412 and second strap 460, some embodiments will not include more than four elastic regions and some embodiments may include less than four elastic regions. In some embodiments, article of footwear 400 may only include one of these four elastic regions. In some embodiments, article of footwear 400 may include several, but not all of these four elastic regions. The number of regions may be selected or varied to suit particular needs, including strap tension, flexibility, and to control the size of opening 432.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 

1. An article of footwear, intended for use as a dance shoe, comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a forefoot region and a heel region; the upper having a length LH extending from the tip of the forefoot region to the tip of the heel region; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of the foot; the upper including an opening; the opening including an outer periphery, the outer periphery being continuous from the forward region to the rear region; the opening having an opening length LO, the opening length extending from a forward tip of the outer periphery to a rear tip of the outer periphery; the ratio of LO/LH being generally between 0.7 and 0.8; and wherein the upper includes a fastener system, the fastener system including a first C-shaped strap and a second C-shaped strap.
 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a breathable mesh portion.
 3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the breathable mesh portion is disposed along a medial side of the upper.
 4. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the breathable mesh portion is disposed along a lateral side of the upper.
 5. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a medial side and a lateral side; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of a foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a medial edge and a lateral edge, each disposed along the periphery; the distance between the outsole and the medial edge, as measured along the medial side, being shortest at the forward most portion of the medial edge; and wherein the distance between the outsole and the lateral edge, as measured along the lateral side, is shortest at the forward most portion of the medial edge.
 6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the outsole comprises rubber.
 7. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein portions of the upper comprise leather.
 8. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein portions of the upper comprise a mesh material.
 9. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the forward most tip of the outsole wraps around and covers a front side of the upper.
 10. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the upper includes a fastener system.
 11. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of a foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap with a forward portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion; the fastening system including a second strap with a forward portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion; and wherein the middle portion of the first strap and the middle portion of the second strap are disposed over a second portion of the opening, and joined together by a tab.
 12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the first strap is fixed to a medial side of the upper at a first area disposed along the forward portion and a second area disposed along the rear portion.
 13. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the second strap is fixed to a lateral side of the upper at a third area disposed along the forward portion of the second strap and a fourth area disposed along the rear portion.
 14. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the tab comprises an elastic material.
 15. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap both comprise an inelastic material.
 16. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the forward portion and rear portion of the first strap extend from the periphery to the outsole along the medial side of the upper.
 17. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the forward and rear portion of the second strap extend from the periphery to the outsole along the lateral side of the upper.
 18. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the upper includes a third strap extending from a medial side of the upper, wrapping around a rear side of the upper, and attaching to a lateral side of the upper.
 19. An article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a ribbon configured to wrap around a portion of the foot; the upper including an opening, the opening including a first portion configured to receive a wearer's foot; the opening including a periphery; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap with a forward end, a middle portion and a rearward end, wherein the forward end of the first strap and the rearward end of the first strap are attached to the medial side of the upper; the fastening system including a second strap with a forward end, a middle portion, and a rearward end, wherein the forward end of the second strap and the rearward end of the second strap are attached to the lateral side of the upper; and wherein the fastening system includes an elastic region.
 20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the first strap includes an elastic region disposed between the forward end of the first strap and the middle portion of the first strap.
 21. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the first strap includes an elastic region disposed between the rearward end of the first strap and the middle portion of the first strap.
 22. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the second strap includes an elastic region disposed between the forward end of the second strap and the middle portion of the second strap.
 23. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the second strap includes and elastic region disposed between the rearward end of the second strap and the middle portion of the second strap.
 24. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the fastening system includes a tab.
 25. The article of footwear according to claim 24, wherein the first strap and second strap are attached via the tab. 